Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Athletics

Former Embry-Riddle Head Rowing Coach Jamie Francis hired Sami Bay as an Assistant Rowing Coach prior to the 2021-22 season. Bay, who started working with the ERAU Rowing teams in the summer of 2021 as a volunteer, officially began her stint as an assistant coach on August 23, 2021.

Working alongside Head Coach Grant Maddock during the 2024-25 season, Bay helped guide Embry-Riddle Women's Rowing to an NCAA II National Championship in 2025, which was just the program's eighth season of varsity competition and Embry-Riddle Athletics' first-ever team NCAA II title. Bay was recognized for her coaching efforts when the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association tabbed ERAU's women's rowing staff as the Division II Staff of the Year. She also received CRCA DII South Region Staff of the Year honors for a second-straight season.

Bay brought nearly a decade of coaching experience to Embry-Riddle, having served as the Boathouse Manager and Junior Rowing Coach with the Halifax Rowing Association in Daytona Beach. Bay was responsible for the overall health of the non-profit club, including oversight and coordination of its adult and junior rowing programs, club growth, contract development for and coordination with outside rowing programs (including ERAU's rowing teams), and fiscal stewardship. Beyond coaching, Bay has over 10 years' experience as a masters rower competing at the local, state, regional, and national levels.
 
In addition to her experience in the rowing world, Bay has served as the Executive Director of the Volusia County Medical Society since July 2011, where she is responsible for all administrative functions. She also spent 12 years working at Avancen MOD Corporation in South Carolina, including three years as the Director of Regional Sales, Marketing, and Investor Relations, and two years as the Chief Communications Officer.
 
Prior to her work in South Carolina, Bay spent almost two years as the Marketing Director for Radiology Associates in Daytona Beach. She has worked with several major corporations in various marketing capacities, including Apple, Ford, GE, the Tupperware Corporation, and Pizza Hut.  
 
Bay graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech, Communication, and Theater from the University of Cincinnati. She has also worked as an adjunct professor at UC, teaching Introduction to Public Speaking.